The Economics of Intellectual Property in a World without Frontiers: A Study of Computer Software (Contributions in Economics and Economic History)

Focusing on computer software, this book explores the problems arising from dynamic information technology in its application to intellectual property rights. The work analyzes the legal and political implications of investment in the software programming industry and the near futility of monitoring protection of intellectual property. It begins by exploring the current state of copyright laws for computer software. It then analyzes the economic theories of demand elasticities, public choice, clubs, and the concept of public goods as those theories apply to intellectual property. This analysis is followed by a discussion of legislation in the United States, Europe, Japan, and China.